Shop Critique

[#1]

If you would like some advice don't be afraid to ask!

[Former_Member]

Hi,
This is my shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Rdecojewelry

I've been having a hard time with tags (not sure what words to use) and I wanted some suggestions on the photos before I go any further. I have all the items ready, I just don't want to keep re-taking pictures so a critique of what I have so far would be nice.
Thanks!

[Former_Member]

Renae, change your pics to white backgrounds- at least for the first photo. I kinda like the plain black on the other ones, though. I'd combine your tags, too. Instead of "resin" and "ring" put "resin ring." Same with colors & other descriptor words.

OOOH! Take down the link to your website now! Etsy could close your shop for having it!

One question I have is about the shipping. Check out other options. Even using other boxes should be cheaper than a flat rate box since your stuff shouldn't be extremely heavy. $5.60 is kind of high for one piece of jewelry. I have a bunch of 4" square boxes and to ship something that's only a few ounces ends up costing about $2-3. Would the necklaces be ok securely wrapped in a padded envelope? Those are cheap to ship, too. (I recently sent something weighing 8oz in one of those boxes & it cost $1.98 to go to the opposite side of the country.)
More items will help, too. 100 being the magic number & all. ;)
I know the materials are listed, but it might not hurt to put a list of materials used in the text of the listing. As someone with crazy allergies, I almost always look to that first. Not everyone will know to scroll down & click the Item Details button to find it.

[Former_Member]

Love the pieces, by the way. So fun & unique. Use that as a tag together with "ring." I've been surprised lately by how many times I've searched for "unique _________" and NO ONE is tagging their very unique OOAK items with it.

[Former_Member]

All of the critiques are so imformative. Thank you for doing these, it is very helpful. I would be appreciative if you could criqtique my shop. Thanks a bunch, Traci

[Former_Member]

Hey, Traci.
One of the first things I saw- your shop announcement still talks about a "year end" sale. I'm guessing that's outdated.
It doesn't look like you're using your featured items section- be sure to do that. Feature a range of items from your cheaper items to more expensive.
Again, I'd photograph items on a white background. If that really isn't what you want to do, I'd pick a consistent background. It just looks nicer. The book page background would be my favorite (after a plain white background).
And more stock. :)
I *love* that you mention when fair trade materials were used!
Why the random dog picture on some listings? Lol. I'm confused.
I think maybe just an "oops" as I didn't see any more, but this one says it ships in 1-2 weeks. Is that correct?
http://www.etsy.com/listing/79994428/grape-soda-purple-frosted-matte-resin
Chris has mentioned a few times that the most important parts of your item should be at the first of the title. So maybe "Sterling Silver Earrings" and then things like "African Trade Bead and Resin" and "Rootbeer Float." Root beer float is cute but I don't think it's a common search term.
And repeat the key words at the very beginning of your listings- not word for word, but naturally.
Are you planning on doing a lot more vintage and/or housewares items?
Still giggling about the orange earrings on the page for "orange" in the dictionary. Cute!

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the critique! I took down the link to my website and will add tags accordingly.
The only problem is shipping. Since I live in Hawaii, shipping is always tricky. I like to include delivery confirmation just in case anything happens in transit. It is more for my protection...after working at a University book store and an accounting office, I've learn a little extra care goes a long way. But I will continue to do more research on the best, cheapest shipping method.
Thanks!

[Former_Member]

Brittany,
Thanks for the critique, very helpful. Starting some minor edits now... Traci:o)

[Former_Member]

Ranae- The pricing I was using as examples was including delivery confirmation. If you are ok with spending the monthly $15.99, stamps.com sends you a scale and you can play with rates right at home. Plus, it counts as buying postage online, so you don't need to pay extra to get the delivery confirmation.

[Former_Member]

Hi Brittany,
I have been busy tweaking my shop after your helpful shop critique. Thank you, thank you for your help. I haven't tackled the photo aspect of the revamp, but I have worked alot on my item titles and tags in the listings. I think my tags are improved, but could you take a look at a few? Thanks
Traci

[Former_Member]

Hi there, would be great to see what you think about my shop, was reading through all the posts and tried to learn as much, In my stats search is first result, then shop...seems to be good...any other suggestions? joerg

[Former_Member]

Traci, which listings have you updated the tags for? I'm still seeing single word tags on all but 1-2 tags. On the "under $30" tags, don't put more than one number in there. People are going to search "Under $30" *or* "Under $50," not both in one search. I know a lot of your tags are long & it makes it hard to combine. I have the same challenge. It's fun. ;)

[Former_Member]

Titles look better. :)

[Former_Member]

Joerg- The very first thing I'd do is take caps lock off. :) Caps lock is like shouting online. Looking at a full page of listings with all the titles in caps is jarring. That goes for sections and text in the listings, too.
Make sure you use all of your tags and use multi word phrases instead of single words.Try "facial toner" over "toner," "travel set" instead of "travel" and "set." Etc.
My analytical part is wondering who is doing the clinical testing (such as on the wrinkle cream) and where I could see the results of that. For the price, I want to be able to see the proof. Make sense?
Have you thought about offering the travel sizes for sale in individual bottles? Then, if someone wants to try something and not invest a big chunk up front, they could just buy a small bottle of one item.
Try playing with your titles- Put "Organic Eye Serum" first. The most searchable terms should be first. So, people are more likely to search for "organic shower gel" than "Organic TROPICAL RAIN shower gel."
If you have customer reviews, you could toss *short* excerpts from those in the listings.

[Former_Member]

I'd like a critique :)

[DoorCountyVintage]

Bethany I will be getting to your critique in a couple hours, sorry for the long delay I honestly just noticed you had asked.

[DoorCountyVintage]

Hi Bethany,

Your Banner,Titles,Inventory,Photos and Tags all seem to be great!

The only I see is your shipping price! 20.00 to CANADA? how much do those weigh I have shipped full size metal Tonka's in a huge box to Australia for 30!

I think if you weigh your items and check on USPS.com you'll find much lower prices which will help increase your sales I'm sure.

[Former_Member]

Thank you :) I've been working on all of those lately (the photos are still a work in progress).

That price is actually a reflection of the new priority mail rates which go into effect next week. Unless the site I got my info from is wrong, shipping to Canada priority has gone up quite a bit. I send all my mini scrapbooks in the smallest priority boxes, but I will double check the prices when the USPS officially switches to the new prices just to be sure they are correct.

[DoorCountyVintage]

See that's the problem..for international orders get your own box..wal mart sells em cheap or just go grab some from your local store. Always ship first class international, LIGHTYEARS cheaper for your customers.

[Former_Member]

Before this rate increase, priority has been quite affordable for me (sent an album to Australia few months ago, in fact), but I may have to do a little trial and error now to see if I can find a cheaper way of doing it. Thanks for your input.

[DoorCountyVintage]

First class international is always cheapest. Give it a try :)

[Former_Member]

I was playing with my shipping for full size albums the other day and a 3lb album was only going to cost $17 to ship to Canada. With my own box, of course. But that's tons better than the $54 you're quoting for a 12x12.

[BrimmerBoys]

Hi all,
I am trying to get my shop off the ground! I have created some new listings and reworked some of my photos (I think you can tell which ones are old!). I would love any other input!

[Former_Member]

Hi, Jaclyn! Cute shoes! And the newer photos look great.
Shipping- We had this discussion on another thread recently. But priority shipping usually shouldn't cost *that* much more to use over First Class. And anything over 13 ounces has to ship Priority anyway. Check your weights & rates.
Of course, try to hit that 100 item mark. :) And I like the variety, but could you do some more modern styles for boys? You've got a few modern styles for girls, but nothing with the same stylistic feel for boys.
I'm wondering if putting the occasion as Easter (at least for the pink pair I'm looking at) is limiting your views? Maybe try one of those girl styles without it and see if your views change.

[papercraftersnook]

Please critique my shop! :)

{This is my first time asking a team for a critique. Be gentle! ;) }

[Former_Member]

Hey, Rachael. :) I'll throw my 2 cents in tomorrow. Love the vintage cards. I struggle big time with vintage styled pieces. AND I love that they're vintage but still CAS. It's a very unique look.